Written Answers Monday 9 March 2009

Scottish Executive

Apprenticeships

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many apprentice starts have been recorded in each of the last five years.

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many apprentice starts have been recorded in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.

Fiona Hyslop: The following table provides a full breakdown of all modern apprenticeships starts entered to Skills Development Scotland’s Management Information (MIS) system between 1 April 2003 and 31 March 2008.

  

 Local Authority Area
 2003-04
 2004-05
 2005-06
 2006-07
 2007-08
 Grand Total


 (Based on trainee address)
 
 
 
 
 
 


 Aberdeen City
 772
 730
 659
 594
 600
 3,355


 Aberdeenshire
 715
 783
 738
 643
 712
 3,591


 Angus
 378
 428
 437
 369
 308
 1,920


 Argyll and Bute
 465
 331
 443
 285
 232
 1,756


 Clackmannanshire
 228
 254
 215
 159
 160
 1,016


 Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar
 65
 84
 85
 84
 112
 430


 Dumfries and Galloway
 807
 785
 610
 409
 483
 3,094


 Dundee City
 486
 537
 572
 427
 333
 2,355


 East Ayrshire
 527
 606
 525
 447
 399
 2,504


 East Dunbartonshire
 343
 378
 393
 358
 336
 1,808


 East Lothian
 347
 303
 356
 223
 250
 1,479


 East Renfrewshire
 317
 303
 296
 263
 214
 1,393


 Edinburgh, City of
 1,320
 1,323
 1,301
 1,033
 931
 5,908


 Falkirk
 594
 773
 698
 563
 493
 3,121


 Fife
 1,367
 1,377
 1,369
 1,121
 993
 6,227


 Glasgow City
 2,504
 2,535
 2,424
 2,098
 1,881
 11,442


 Highland
 1,029
 532
 631
 614
 509
 3,315


 Inverclyde
 541
 550
 461
 319
 345
 2,216


 Midlothian
 328
 320
 321
 229
 251
 1,449


 Moray
 283
 229
 162
 263
 209
 1,146


 North Ayrshire
 648
 654
 594
 537
 442
 2,875


 North Lanarkshire
 1,446
 1,901
 1,628
 1,467
 1,374
 7,816


 Orkney
 103
 68
 73
 88
 63
 395


 Perth and Kinross
 494
 620
 613
 470
 441
 2,638


 Renfrewshire
 887
 865
 859
 715
 665
 3,991


 Scottish Borders
 264
 320
 318
 226
 260
 1,388


 Shetland
 71
 69
 56
 70
 72
 338


 South Ayrshire
 573
 497
 448
 408
 379
 2,305


 South Lanarkshire
 1,323
 1,550
 1,432
 1,263
 1,209
 6,777


 Stirling
 308
 374
 320
 225
 222
 1,449


 West Dunbartonshire
 452
 446
 512
 407
 356
 2,173


 West Lothian
 558
 754
 691
 483
 466
 2,952


 Not known
 106
 70
 26
 70
 72
 344


 Total
 20,649
 21,349
 20,266
 16,930
 15,772
 94,966

Apprenticeships

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many adult apprentice starts have been recorded in each of the last five years.

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many adult apprentice starts have been recorded in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.

Fiona Hyslop: The following table provides a full breakdown of all MA20+ starts entered to Skills Development Scotland’s Management Information (MIS) system between 1 April 2003 and 31 March 2008.

  

 Local Authority Area
 2003-04
 2004-05
 2005-06
 2006-07
 2007-08
 Grand Total


 (Based on trainee address)
 MA20+
 MA20+
 MA20+
 MA20+
 MA20+


 Aberdeen City
 449
 412
 365
 238
 229
 1,693


 Aberdeenshire
 289
 335
 300
 103
 147
 1,174


 Angus
 181
 223
 224
 165
 104
 897


 Argyll and Bute
 228
 188
 286
 160
 85
 947


 Clackmannanshire
 135
 130
 106
 63
 62
 496


 Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar
 30
 26
 37
 24
 52
 169


 Dumfries and Galloway
 449
 396
 296
 145
 166
 1,452


 Dundee City
 248
 286
 368
 208
 135
 1,245


 East Ayrshire
 306
 331
 295
 191
 154
 1,277


 East Dunbartonshire
 185
 195
 166
 132
 139
 817


 East Lothian
 209
 146
 191
 77
 103
 726


 East Renfrewshire
 163
 157
 154
 113
 88
 675


 Edinburgh, City of
 826
 810
 789
 467
 449
 3,341


 Falkirk
 298
 437
 377
 203
 202
 1,517


 Fife
 817
 803
 799
 569
 457
 3,445


 Glasgow City
 1,408
 1,402
 1,349
 1,023
 838
 6,020


 Highland
 627
 182
 228
 203
 126
 1,366


 Inverclyde
 365
 339
 307
 200
 199
 1,410


 Midlothian
 154
 129
 142
 55
 75
 555


 Moray
 142
 110
 44
 104
 72
 472


 North Ayrshire
 419
 413
 368
 265
 206
 1,671


 North Lanarkshire
 772
 1,087
 887
 634
 649
 4,029


 Orkney
 67
 30
 33
 39
 24
 193


 Perth and Kinross
 258
 361
 379
 247
 215
 1,460


 Renfrewshire
 525
 479
 454
 335
 278
 2,071


 Scottish Borders
 128
 148
 178
 82
 111
 647


 Shetland
 33
 30
 20
 23
 9
 115


 South Ayrshire
 368
 280
 279
 210
 178
 1,315


 South Lanarkshire
 692
 856
 792
 586
 530
 3,456


 Stirling
 181
 219
 185
 103
 102
 790


 West Dunbartonshire
 255
 231
 299
 177
 169
 1,131


 West Lothian
 297
 423
 368
 177
 151
 1,416


 Not known
 64
 41
 14
 38
 38
 195


 Total
 11,568
 11,635
 11,079
 7,359
 6,542
 48,183

Apprenticeships

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the completion rates were for apprenticeships in each of the last five years.

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the completion rates were for apprenticeships in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.

Fiona Hyslop: The following table provides a full breakdown of all MA achievements claimed between 1 April 2003 and 31 March 2008.

  

Local Authority Area 
(Based on trainee address)
2003-04 Total
2004-05 Total
2005-06 Total
2006-07 Total
2007-08 Total
Grand Total


 Aberdeen City
 296
 341
 308
 426
 353
 1,724


 Aberdeenshire
 257
 335
 430
 468
 384
 1,874


 Angus
 136
 212
 232
 295
 265
 1,140


 Argyll and Bute
 113
 196
 261
 257
 234
 1,061


 Clackmannanshire
 92
 106
 121
 139
 119
 577


 Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar
 52
 41
 49
 40
 50
 232


 Dumfries and Galloway
 356
 467
 412
 386
 357
 1,978


 Dundee City
 202
 285
 258
 366
 315
 1,426


 East Ayrshire
 279
 339
 391
 381
 340
 1,730


 East Dunbartonshire
 196
 190
 219
 239
 215
 1,059


 East Lothian
 162
 181
 198
 211
 191
 943


 East Renfrewshire
 155
 170
 183
 181
 181
 870


 Edinburgh, City of
 546
 660
 720
 785
 747
 3,458


 Falkirk
 242
 339
 345
 409
 403
 1,738


 Fife
 591
 760
 830
 894
 893
 3,968


 Glasgow City
 1,223
 1,481
 1,425
 1,425
 1,497
 7,051


 Highland
 344
 410
 318
 370
 376
 1,818


 Inverclyde
 397
 356
 296
 294
 255
 1,598


 Midlothian
 155
 183
 173
 210
 174
 895


 Moray
 72
 108
 147
 130
 141
 598


 North Ayrshire
 404
 385
 394
 431
 343
 1,957


 North Lanarkshire
 797
 982
 995
 1,063
 962
 4,799


 Orkney
 28
 48
 86
 48
 44
 254


 Perth and Kinross
 189
 275
 314
 401
 363
 1,542


 Renfrewshire
 440
 505
 547
 503
 549
 2,544


 Scottish Borders
 129
 151
 155
 210
 194
 839


 Shetland
 20
 59
 56
 52
 44
 231


 South Ayrshire
 268
 321
 295
 279
 269
 1,432


 South Lanarkshire
 696
 796
 762
 869
 867
 3,990


 Stirling
 114
 167
 169
 183
 163
 796


 West Dunbartonshire
 224
 263
 281
 282
 273
 1,323


 West Lothian
 197
 312
 395
 435
 346
 1,685


 Not known
 17
 31
 27
 36
 33
 144


 Grand Total
 9,389
 11,455
 11,792
 12,698
 11,940
 57,274

Apprenticeships

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the completion rates were for adult apprenticeships in each of the last five years.

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the completion rates were for adult apprenticeships in each of the last five years, broken down by local authority area.

Fiona Hyslop: The following table provides a full breakdown of adult apprenticeship achievements claimed between 1 April 2003 and 31 March 2008.

  

Local Authority Area 
(Based on trainee address)
 2003-04
 2004-05
 2005-06
 2006-07
 2007-08
 Grand Total


 MA20+
 MA20+
 MA20+
 MA20+
 MA20+


 Aberdeen City
 151
 180
 172
 242
 190
 935


 Aberdeenshire
 125
 145
 203
 214
 120
 807


 Angus
 46
 101
 133
 160
 135
 575


 Argyll and Bute
 54
 134
 190
 181
 143
 702


 Clackmannanshire
 39
 51
 58
 76
 64
 288


 Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar
 32
 21
 29
 17
 15
 114


 Dumfries and Galloway
 176
 293
 236
 211
 151
 1,067


 Dundee City
 105
 164
 161
 204
 164
 798


 East Ayrshire
 137
 213
 246
 222
 173
 991


 East Dunbartonshire
 99
 111
 134
 114
 119
 577


 East Lothian
 84
 105
 126
 114
 93
 522


 East Renfrewshire
 98
 110
 110
 101
 86
 505


 Edinburgh, City of
 353
 432
 478
 476
 453
 2,192


 Falkirk
 103
 163
 193
 247
 221
 927


 Fife
 270
 457
 510
 601
 560
 2,398


 Glasgow City
 679
 871
 853
 852
 794
 4,049


 Highland
 182
 253
 147
 169
 128
 879


 Inverclyde
 288
 284
 201
 199
 175
 1,147


 Midlothian
 84
 94
 91
 89
 82
 440


 Moray
 22
 43
 60
 60
 56
 241


 North Ayrshire
 244
 264
 249
 264
 220
 1,241


 North Lanarkshire
 451
 570
 570
 651
 537
 2,779


 Orkney
 7
 30
 55
 21
 14
 127


 Perth and Kinross
 102
 133
 201
 251
 211
 898


 Renfrewshire
 262
 328
 336
 294
 294
 1,514


 Scottish Borders
 70
 80
 84
 126
 95
 455


 Shetland
 1
 23
 15
 17
 7
 63


 South Ayrshire
 143
 196
 187
 171
 157
 854


 South Lanarkshire
 385
 473
 447
 492
 467
 2,264


 Stirling
 57
 101
 107
 113
 86
 464


 West Dunbartonshire
 113
 149
 184
 173
 153
 772


 West Lothian
 95
 180
 243
 260
 164
 942


 Not known
 11
 14
 20
 12
 18
 75


 Grand Total
 5,068
 6,766
 7,029
 7,394
 6,345
 32,602

Bridges

Nanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects work on the replacement of the Inveramsay Bridge to commence.

Stewart Stevenson: The STPR has recommended a package of proposed investments for the period 2012 and beyond, the delivery of which will be prioritised in future spending reviews.

  A timetable for undertaking the work on the A96 upgrades, including a new Inveramsay Bridge will therefore be developed as part of this prioritisation process.

  We have a fully committed programme of transport infrastructure investment to 2012.

  Planned improvements to the A96 include delivering the Fochabers to Mosstodloch Bypass and junction improvements at Threapland.

Class Sizes

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has had with COSLA about reducing class sizes and increasing teacher numbers and when the outcome will be evident.

Fiona Hyslop: I meet on a bi-monthly basis with COSLA to discuss matters arising from the concordat and progress towards meeting the commitments contained in it.

Conservation

Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has the power to grant absolute rights for the continuation of existing activities within a marine special area of conservation at the point of introduction.

Richard Lochhead: It would not be appropriate to grant any absolute rights in this way. European law does not allow member states to state that all existing activities would be allowed to continue at the point of introduction of a marine special area of conservation. However, the normal expectation will continue to be that designation of a site as a marine special area of conservation would not be a barrier to the continuation of existing activities which have been conducted in a responsible manner.

Conservation

Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how it would define responsible fishing activities within a marine special area of conservation.

Richard Lochhead: Within a marine Special Area of Conservation fishing activities that abide by fisheries regulations and which do not impact on the favourable condition of the feature of interest are considered to be responsible fishing activities.

Constitution

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is a financial cost associated with an independence referendum.

Michael Russell: The forthcoming Referendum Bill will be accompanied by a detailed Financial Memorandum which will set out the government’s best estimates of the cost of holding the referendum.

Electricity

Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what advice it has taken on the possibility of upgrading the east coast transmission line as an alternative to upgrading the Beauly to Denny transmission line.

Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive for what reasons alternatives to the Beauly Denny transmission line were not discussed as part of the Beauly Denny Public Inquiry.

Jim Mather: The Beauly Denny Local Public Inquiry considered a wide range of issues. The inquiry report was submitted to the Scottish Government on 18 February 2009. Ministers are now considering the report and will take a decision as soon as possible.

Employment

Christina McKelvie (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what the outcomes were of the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) conference on 9 February 2009, as announced in its news release on 26 January 2009.

Fiona Hyslop: I will be announcing the publication of the report of the PACE Summit before the end of March. The report will contain a synopsis of the day and actions to take forward to enhance further the operation of PACE.

  One area discussed during the summit was the need to raise awareness of PACE. We are taking immediate action on this by promoting the new helpline number and website to individuals and employers through a short sharp media campaign which will appear in the national press over the next few weeks.

Enterprise

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers met representatives of Scottish Enterprise to discuss proposals to end the separate status of ITI Scotland and, if so, when.

Jim Mather: I met Jack Perry, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise and Shonaig Macpherson, Chairman of ITI Scotland on 15 December 2008 to discuss proposals to integrate ITI Scotland within Scottish Enterprise.

Enterprise

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers met representatives of ITI Scotland to discuss proposals to end the separate status of ITI Scotland and, if so, when.

Jim Mather: I met Shonaig Macpherson, Chairman of ITI Scotland and Jack Perry, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise on 15 December 2008 to discuss proposals to integrate ITI Scotland within Scottish Enterprise.

Enterprise

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive when ministers last met representatives of ITI (a) Energy, (b) Life Sciences and (c) Techmedia.

Jim Mather: I met the Managing Directors of all three ITIs at the ITI Annual Public Meeting on 28 October 2008 and the then Managing Director of ITI Energy on 9 June 2008.

Enterprise

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive who was consulted on the plans to end the separate status of ITI Scotland and by whom.

Jim Mather: Scottish Government officials were consulted by Scottish Enterprise on the plans to integrate ITI Scotland into Scottish Enterprise and they advised the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth and myself of the plans. Other consultations that may have been carried out are an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. The relevant contact at Scottish Enterprise is Paul Lewis, Managing Director, Industries and Policy.

Enterprise

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive who made the decision to end the separate status of ITI Scotland.

Jim Mather: The decision to integrate the ITIs into Scottish Enterprise was an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. This decision involved no policy change for the Scottish Government.

Enterprise

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the budget allocation was for ITI (a) Energy, (b) Life Sciences and (c) Techmedia in (i) 2007-08 and (ii) 2008-09.

Jim Mather: The budget allocations for the ITIs are an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. The relevant contact is Paul Lewis, Managing Director, Industries and Policy.

Enterprise

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the decision to integrate ITI Scotland with Scottish Enterprise, what changes will be made to the funding of projects previously the responsibility of ITI (a) Energy, (b) Life Sciences and (c) Techmedia.

Jim Mather: Decisions on the funding of projects for the ITIs are an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. The relevant contact is Paul Lewis, Managing Director, Industries and Policy.

Enterprise

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review the funding mechanisms currently used to support projects under ITI (a) Energy, (b) Life Sciences and (c) Techmedia.

Jim Mather: The funding mechanisms to support projects for the ITIs are an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. The relevant contact is Paul Lewis, Managing Director, Industries and Policy.

Enterprise

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what investment was made in projects by ITI (a) Energy, (b) Life Sciences and (c) Techmedia in 2007-08 and has been in 2008-09.

Jim Mather: Details of the investments in projects are not held centrally by the Scottish Government but are available from Scottish Enterprise. The relevant contact is Paul Lewis, Managing Director, Industries and Policy.

Enterprise

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the planned allocation was for ITI (a) Energy, (b) Life Sciences and (c) Techmedia in 2009-10 prior to the decision to end the separate status of ITI Scotland.

Jim Mather: The planned allocations for the ITIs are an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. The relevant contact is Paul Lewis, Managing Director, Industries and Policy.

Enterprise

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what future return is anticipated from projects supported to date by ITI (a) Energy, (b) Life Sciences and (c) Techmedia.

Jim Mather: Anticipated future returns on projects from the ITIs are an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. The relevant contact is Paul Lewis, Managing Director, Industries and Policy.

Environment

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive when its carbon emissions reduction target strategy will be published.

Stewart Stevenson: The Scottish CERT ( Carbon Emissions Reduction Target) Strategy, which sets out how we are working with the energy suppliers to achieve a fair share of CERT activity in Scotland, will be published in the spring of 2009.

European Working Time Directive

Nanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the European Commission regarding the retention of the UK opt-out to the working time directive.

Jim Mather: No direct representations have been made to the European Commission on this reserved matter although the Scottish Government is in regular and on-going contact with the UK Government on this issue. Our shared policy position favours retaining the opt-out.

European Working Time Directive

Nanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made to the UK Government regarding the retention of the opt-out to the working time directive.

Jim Mather: The Scottish Government has consistently and fully supported the UK Government’s efforts to retain the individual opt-out.

Ferry Services

David Stewart (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the best interests of the people in the Western Isles would be served by allowing Sunday sailings between Stornoway and the mainland and access to local facilities such as sports facilities.

Stewart Stevenson: There are clearly very different and irreconcilable views about the potential introduction of Sunday sailings on the Ullapool to Stornoway ferry service. CalMac Ferries Ltd is best placed to consider that issue in the first instance. CalMac is keeping this issue under review pending its assessment of how the Scottish Government’s Road Equivalent Tariff pilot is impacting on ferry services to the Western Isles.

  It is for the owners and managers of local island facilities, such as sports facilities, to make their own decisions on opening times.

Ferry Services

Trish Godman (West Renfrewshire) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what information is available concerning the signing of a contract for the building of a passenger ferry for Caledonian MacBrayne.

Stewart Stevenson: Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd awarded a ship building contract to Gdańska Stocznia Remontowa im. Józefa Piłsudskiego S.A. on 2 November 2007 for the construction of a new Ro-Ro passenger and vehicular ferry. This new vessel will serve on the routes between Kennacraig and Islay and is due for delivery in April 2011.

Ferry Services

Trish Godman (West Renfrewshire) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the age profile is of the vessels operated by Caledonian MacBrayne.

Stewart Stevenson: Information on the age of each of the vessels presently owned by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd is as follows:

  

 
 Vessel
 Year Delivered
 Age


 1
 MV Jupiter
 1974
 35


 2
 MV Juno
 1974
 35


 3
 MV Eigg
 1975
 34


 4
 MV Raasay
 1976
 33


 5
 MV Isle of Cumbrae
 1977
 32


 6
 MV Saturn
 1978
 31


 7
 MV Isle of Arran
 1984
 25


 8
 MV Hebridean Isles
 1985
 24


 9
 MV Loch Linnhe
 1986
 23


 10
 MV Loch Riddon
 1986
 23


 11
 MV Loch Striven 
 1986
 23


 12
 MV Loch Ranza
 1987
 22


 13
 MV Isle of Mull
 1988
 21


 14
 MV Lord of the Isles
 1989
 20


 15
 MV Loch Dunvegan
 1991
 18


 16
 MV Loch Fyne
 1991
 18


 17
 MV Loch Buie
 1992
 17


 18
 MV Loch Tarbet
 1992
 17


 19
 MV Caledonian Isles
 1993
 16


 20
 MV Isle of Lewis
 1995
 14


 21
 MV Loch Brusda
 1996
 13


 22
 MV Loch Alainn
 1997
 12


 23
 MV Clansman
 1998
 11


 24
 MV Lochnevis
 2000
 9


 25
 MV Hebrides
 2001
 8


 26
 MV Coruisk
 2003
 6


 27
 MV Loch Portain
 2003
 6


 28
 MV Bute
 2005
 4


 29
 MV Argyle
 2007
 2


 30
 MV Loch Shira
 2007
 2


 
 
 Average age
 18.47

First Minister

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the participants in the meetings that the First Minister will have during his visit to Qatar.

Michael Russell: The timing and content of any ministerial visit to Qatar remains under consideration.

Fisheries

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what progress it has made in establishing inshore fishery groups.

Richard Lochhead: The first meetings of pilot Inshore Fisheries Groups (IFGs) Executive Committees have been held in the South East (Tuesday 27 Jan), the Clyde (Friday 30 January) and the Outer Hebrides (Friday 6 February). First meetings of three further pilot areas in Moray Firth, the North West and the Small Isles and Mull will be held on 26 and 27 March 2009.

Fisheries

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation has taken place with fishermen and fishing communities in drafting operating rules and guidance for inshore fishery groups and how consultees were selected and consulted.

Richard Lochhead: The guidance and constitution of the IFG was drawn up following the Taking Stock exercise in summer 2007, which involved consultation with a wide range of inshore fishing interests, including the Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group.

Fisheries

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that fishing communities are represented on inshore fishery groups alongside fishing associations and others.

Richard Lochhead: The IFGs will enable commercial inshore fishermen to participate on an inclusive, transparent and consensual basis in the management of Scottish inshore fisheries balancing competing sectoral interests with environmental and socio-economic priorities.

  In order to produce a management plan for the area, the IFG will consult with stakeholders in the area including the local fishing communities.

Fisheries

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that fishing associations represent all fishing interests on inshore fishing groups.

Richard Lochhead: All individuals with an active commercial interest in the inshore fisheries in the IFG area are eligible for membership of the IFG. This includes Fishermen’s Associations and individuals who are not affiliated to any Fishermen’s Association.

Fisheries

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to include marketing interests in the membership of inshore fishery groups.

Richard Lochhead: The IFG Executive Committee will be supported by an Advisory Group which is an integral part of the IFG structure. The Advisory Group is made up of relevant experts and key stakeholders, including marketing interests.

Fisheries

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take to ensure that inshore fishery groups can meaningfully contribute on draft legislation or legislative proposals.

Richard Lochhead: It will be open to IFGs to express their views on any consultation on legislative proposals made by Scottish ministers. Further, Scottish ministers will positively consider sound and considerate legislative proposals from IFGs in their management plan when they have been developed in line with the national and local objectives for inshore fisheries and consulted upon in an open, inclusive and transparent way.

Fisheries

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance for inshore fishery groups remains to be considered, finalised or completed and what timescales it envisages for completion.

Richard Lochhead: A constitution to facilitate the establishment and operation of IFGs was drawn up in consultation with members of the Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group and is now in place. It is available on the Scottish government website www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Fisheries/Sea-Fisheries .

Fisheries

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the status and role are of the Scottish Fisheries Council and what its relationship is with inshore fishery groups.

Richard Lochhead: The Scottish Fisheries Council (SFC) is a Scottish Government-led stakeholder group which provides a means by which the Scottish government can implement policies in partnership with stakeholders to ensure a sustainable, profitable future for fishing in Scotland. There is no direct relationship between the SFC and Inshore Fisheries Groups (IFGs) but the IFGs will ensure that their Management Plans are consistent with the SFC aims for a sustainable fishing in Scotland.

Fisheries

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what its preferred legal status is of inshore fishery groups.

Richard Lochhead: IFGs are not statutory bodies and can choose to constitute themselves as either an unincorporated association or go further by becoming an incorporated association, e.g. a limited company. It is recommended that IFGs should seek their own legal advice as to the best method of establishing themselves dependant on individual circumstances. However, IFGs choose to form themselves they will be equal in terms of their scope and function.

Fisheries

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how the membership of inshore fishery groups is to be established and how changes in membership over time are to be managed.

Richard Lochhead: The IFG Coordinator will maintain a register of IFG members and has the right to demand evidence from any applicant to prove eligibility against the criteria set out in the IFG Constitution. The IFG Coordinator shall, so far as practicable, keep the register up to date.

Fisheries

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what would constitute a quorum at inshore fishery group meetings that will ensure a range of interests are represented.

Richard Lochhead: The quorum for a meeting of the IFG Executive Committee is 40% of its membership.

Fisheries

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what rules will apply to the appointment of the chairs of inshore fishery groups.

Richard Lochhead: The IFG Chair will be recruited through an open recruitment process by the IFG Executive Committee. The chair will be independent in the discharge of his/her duties and have no financial or commercial interests as are likely to affect him or her in the discharge of his or her function as a chairman independent of the sea fish industry. Individuals currently serving on the Executive Committee will be ineligible to apply.

Fisheries

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a form of weighted voting in the proceedings of inshore fishery groups.

Richard Lochhead: The IFG Executive Committee shall aim to reach agreement on any matter before it. Where agreement cannot readily be reached, the chair, supported by the co-ordinator, will endeavour to resolve the matter.

  Voting at the IFG General meeting shall be on the basis of one vote per vessel, which habitually fishes commercially in the area.

Fisheries

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it envisages that any of the work of its Marine Directorate will be taken over by inshore fishery groups.

Richard Lochhead: IFGs are not statutory organisations and therefore do not have the statutory role, powers or responsibilities of the Marine Directorate. It is not envisaged that any of the functions of the work of the Marine Directorate will be taken over by the IFGs. Their principal purpose will be to develop management plans for the inshore fisheries in their area.

Fisheries

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is envisaged that inshore fishery groups will have a co-ordinator; what roles any such person will perform; how an appointment will be made, and to whom the person will be accountable.

Richard Lochhead: The IFG will have an Inshore Fisheries Coordinator who will be responsible for assisting the IFG in the conduct of its business. The coordinator will also be secretary of the committee and any subcommittees and the Treasurer of the IFG. The recruitment will be made through an open competition and will report to the IFG Chair and the National Coordinator.

Flooding

Jamie Stone (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive when Scotland Transerv will address the flooding problems caused by the twin water drainage pipes on the A9 at Garbh Allt burn between Helmsdale and Portgower.

Stewart Stevenson: Flood prevention measures including cleaning the bed of the burn and the culverts and the installation of training walls have been undertaken. Additionally, immediately after heavy rainfall regular inspections of the burn and culverts are undertaken to ensure there is no build up of material that could reduce the capacity of the culverts and cause further flooding.

  A scheme to replace the existing twin water drainage pipes is currently being designed to bring the drainage and carriageway up to current standards. The replacement is programmed for 2009-10 and will depend on all parties, including adjacent landowners, reaching agreement, the completion of statutory procedures and the availability of funding within the trunk road maintenance budget.

Historical Monuments

Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow Maryhill) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-19953 by Linda Fabiani on 2 February 2009, what steps it is taking to ensure that the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments will retain charitable status following any rationalisation.

Michael Russell: Any decision taken on the future status of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland will take account of the position in relation to Charitable Status and would, if necessary, be discussed with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.

Junior Doctors

Ross Finnie (West of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what it estimates the shortfall in the hours of junior doctors will be on introduction of the European working time directive.

Nicola Sturgeon: Based on January 2009 New Deal monitoring statistics, we estimate that NHS boards have already succeeded in reducing the working hours of around 57% of their junior doctors to an average of 48 hours or less each week. Currently, almost 100% meet New Deal targets of 56 hours a week.

  We are committed to achieving compliance by the target date and all health boards have plans in place for tackling current areas of non-compliance. It is fully expected that, as boards continue their efforts to implement service redesign, invest in new and extended non-medical roles and roll out Hospital at Night systems, the figure of 57% will rise significantly towards the target.

Junior Doctors

Ross Finnie (West of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the introduction of the European working time directive, how it plans to deal with any shortfall in the hours of junior doctors.

Nicola Sturgeon: Compliance with the reduction in working hours is the responsibility of NHS boards as employers, as is the implementation of a range of measures to cover the hours previously worked by junior doctors.

  At the request of Scottish ministers all NHS boards have provided information on how they plan to achieve compliance with Working Time Regulations (WTR). The Scottish Government continues to support NHS boards as they invest in rota and service redesign and workforce modernisation. The creation of new and extended non-medical roles, the new contract for SAS (Staff and Associate Specialist) Grade doctors and the introduction of the Hospital at Night concept are all ways which will help the boards to reduce their reliance on junior doctors for service delivery.

Junior Doctors

Ross Finnie (West of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many junior doctors work over 48 hours a week, broken down by NHS board.

Nicola Sturgeon: NHS boards have made great efforts to achieve compliance with each stage of the Working Time Regulations (WTR) and, based on January 2009 New Deal figures, we estimate that around 3,000 were already working 48 hours or less a week, while around 2,000 were still working more than 48 hours. NHS boards are fully committed to achieving compliance for these doctors and are continuing to implement a range of measures to bring this about. We will be asking boards to report regularly to us on the success of their efforts to achieve compliance.

  Individual health boards will be able to provide information on how many junior doctors still work over 48 hours a week.

Junior Doctors

Ross Finnie (West of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of the introduction of the European working time directive, what it estimates the cost will be to the NHS to cover any shortfall in the hours of junior doctors.

Nicola Sturgeon: NHS boards have provided the Scottish Government with information on how they plan to achieve compliance with working time regulations (WTR). Some NHS boards are more advanced with their planning and implementation than others. Any associated costs are a matter for the individual boards to manage.

Manifesto Commitments

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to the second supplementary to question S3F-1446 by Alex Salmond on 12 February 2009 ( Official Report c. 15021), whether it will list the 46 SNP manifesto commitments that have been achieved.

Bruce Crawford: The information requested is given in the document entitled SNP headline manifesto commitments met or exceeded, a copy of which is available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47825).

Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S3W-18835 and S3W-20234 by Stewart Stevenson on 8 January 2009 and 10 February 2009 respectively, what percentage of the £6.6 million budget for Transport Strategy and Innovation the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland will receive in 2008-09.

Stewart Stevenson: In 2008-09, the budget for the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) is part of the wider Transport Strategy and Innovation budget. The Transport Strategy and Innovation Budget is a Level 3 figure. Current Scottish Government Finance Guidelines are that we do not publish figures below those shown in the Level 3.

Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland has received in each year since it was established in 2002.

Stewart Stevenson: From 2002-03 until 2004-05, the Mobility and Access Committee Scotland (MACS) was allocated the following budgets:

  2002-03 - £100,000.

  2003-04 - £200,000.

  2004-05 - £200,000.

  From 2005-06 until 2007-08, MACS received funding from the Scottish Government’s Mobility budget.

Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) will hold in (a) 2008-09 and (b) 2009-10 and how these figures compare with the number of meetings that it held in previous years.

Stewart Stevenson: In 2008-09, the Mobility and Access Committee held two meetings of its main committee. The first of these, which took place in July 2008, was the final meeting of MACS in its previous incarnation. The second one took place on 20 January 2009. This was the initial meeting of the newly established committee, the appointments of whom were announced on 19 December 2008.

  In 2009-10, quarterly meetings have been arranged, but the committee will meet more often than that when business requires. The first meeting takes place on 28 April 2009.

  In previous years, MACS generally held main committee meetings every two months.

Older People

Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether building standards for domestic dwelling houses reflect the needs of elderly people requiring care at home.

Stewart Stevenson: Revisions to Scottish building regulations in May 2007 included a range of measures to improve accessibility and ease of use and ensure that all new dwellings are better suited to meet the differing and changing needs of their occupants. In this respect, Scottish building regulations are the most demanding in the UK.

  These standards require that all new housing is more accessible, suitable for a wider range of occupants and should offer usability without need for significant alteration. Where alteration or adaptation is required, new homes should be simpler and less costly to alter. This should allow a person to stay in their home longer as their needs change, increasing the potential for independent living and, potentially, reducing the need for care provision. Where care at home is needed, the more accessible homes provided by current building regulations will assist in the delivery of care services.

Older People

Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to review building standards for domestic dwelling houses.

Stewart Stevenson: Revisions to building regulations are being considered for introduction in October 2010, with a range of topics presently under review.

  In 2008, the Scottish Government consulted on proposed revisions in the following areas:

  a range of procedural, environmental and safety topics related to improving sustainability;

  means of escape in the event of fire, and

  the control of noise between and within dwellings.

  Further consultation in the following areas is proposed during 2009:

  further improvements to energy standards, with a 30% improvement on current standards proposed;

  a range of structural issues, including on disproportionate collapse, the introduction of structural Eurocodes and revised guidance on small buildings, and

  improving compliance with building regulations.

  All of these review topics will have implications for new domestic buildings.

Older People

Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to reflect the needs of elderly people requiring care at home in any revision of building standards for domestic dwelling houses.

Stewart Stevenson: Revisions introduced in May 2007 included a range of measures to improve accessibility and ease of use and ensure that all new dwellings are better suited to meet the differing and changing needs of their occupants. In this respect, Scottish building regulations are the most demanding in the UK.

  Current standards require that all new housing is more accessible, suitable for a wider range of occupants and should offer usability without need for significant alteration. Where alteration or adaptation is required, new homes should be simpler and less costly to alter. This should allow a person to stay in their home longer as their needs change, increasing the potential for independent living and, potentially, reducing the need for care provision. Where care at home is needed, the more accessible homes provided by current building regulations will assist in the delivery of care services.

Parliamentary Business

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it proposes to use its slots in the Parliament’s business programme to debate (a) free personal care, (b) the extension of the ScotRail franchise and any conflicts of interest and (c) major capital project funding.

Bruce Crawford: In proposing the Business Programme to the Parliamentary Bureau, following consultation with Business managers, the Scottish Government ensures that the programme contains debates of importance to the people of Scotland.

Police

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will discuss with the UK Government any implications of the extension of the roles of the Association of Chief Police Officers and Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland on the accountability of police operations.

Kenny MacAskill: Individual chief constables are accountable for police operations in their force. The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland has not sought to extend its role in operational policing matters.

Ports and Harbours

Cathy Peattie (Falkirk East) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been any change in its support for the UK-wide modern ports policy.

Stewart Stevenson: Modern Ports - A UK Policy continues to provide the framework for devolved ports policy in Scotland. The policy is based on a market-driven approach to ports investment and funding and recognises the diverse nature of the ports sector in Scotland.

  http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/shippingports/ports/modern/modernportsaukpolicy.

Prison Service

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many prisoners from Aberdeenshire are held in (a) HMP Aberdeen, (b) HMP Peterhead, (c) another prison in Scotland for adult males, (d) HMP and YOI Cornton Vale and (e) YOI Polmont.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

  The following table illustrates the distribution of those prisoners in custody whose postcode area lies within Aberdeenshire. The data is as at 09:35, 20 February 2009:

  

 Establishment
 Total


 Aberdeen
 39


 Barlinnie
 1


 Cornton Vale
 12


 Dumfries
 4


 Edinburgh
 5


 Glenochil Prison
 15


 Greenock
 2


 Inverness
 7


 Open Estate
 11


 Perth
 42


 Peterhead
 16


 Polmont
 9


 Shotts
 8


 Total
 171

Public Appointments

Christina McKelvie (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish and maintain a forward-look diary of public appointment vacancies to aid potential applicants.

John Swinney: The Scottish Government currently issues a forecast of forthcoming public appointment opportunities twice a year to people who have registered their interest in public appointments. This is in addition to publicising vacancies on the Scottish Government website as they occur.

  The Scottish Government is planning to launch a new website dedicated to public appointments around mid April to replace its current website pages. The new website will contain a range of information on public appointments, including a forecast of public appointment vacancies expected to arise in the future. Members of the public will be able to register their interest in public appointments through the new website and will be advised when the forecast is updated.

Rail Network

James Kelly (Glasgow Rutherglen) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has had input to discussions with Network Rail or Transport Scotland regarding where the new Caledonian Express service should stop and what the Scottish Government’s position was.

Stewart Stevenson: Transport Scotland is part of the Scottish Government and has had discussions with ScotRail and Network Rail concerning the timetable practicalities associated with the introduction of a new fast service between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh.

  It is proposed that the new service will call at Bellshill, Shotts, West Calder, Livingston South and Haymarket. The presence of the new West Coast Mainline Services for London Euston prevent the inclusion of Uddingston in the stopping pattern.

Rail Network

Cathy Jamieson (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made on plans for a rail station at Ayr Hospital.

Stewart Stevenson: The Scottish Government has no plans to develop a rail station at Ayr Hospital.

Renewable Energy

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how much measured carbon saving has been made by renewable energy schemes operating under the Renewable Obligations scheme since 2002.

Jim Mather: We estimate that between 2002 and 2007, schemes operating under the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) displaced around 6.5 million tonnes of CO 2 .

  This estimate is based on the number of Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) issued in Scotland since 2002, to which we have applied the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) recommended calculation for carbon dioxide emissions savings (0.43 kg of carbon dioxide per kilowatt hour of electricity produced). One ROC is issued by OFGEM for 1 megawatt hour of eligible electricity output.

  The DEFRA guidelines, which explain the reasoning for using a factor of 0.43 kg CO2 per kWh are published at the following website:

  http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/business/envrp/pdf/ghg-cf-guidelines2008.pdf.

  Figures from OFGEM for the number of ROCs issued for renewables schemes in Scotland, by year, are as follows:

  

 2002-03
 1,010,145


 2003-04
 1,929,342


 2004-05
 3,603,110


 2005-06
 3,553,108


 2006-07
 5,181,992



  The number of ROCs issued in 2007-08 is not yet available.

  Since not all the electricity generated from renewable sources is eligible for support under the renewables obligation, it can be assumed that the total CO2 emissions displaced by renewable energy schemes is higher than the estimate provided in this reply.

Renewable Energy

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many jobs it estimates will be required to operate and manage the Siadar wave energy project after its construction.

Jim Mather: The developer has stated that between 30.5 and 72.5 full-time equivalent jobs will be created in the construction phase from 2009-11, and thereafter it is anticipated that there will be 2.5 full-time equivalent jobs in the on-going management and operation of the project.

Rivers

Trish Godman (West Renfrewshire) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what recent discussions have taken place with representatives of the Department for Transport and other interested parties anent the implementation of the recommendations of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch’s report on the loss of the tug, Flying Phantom, while towing the bulk carrier, Red Jasmine, on the River Clyde on 19 December 2007.

Trish Godman (West Renfrewshire) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether information has been received from the Department for Transport anent the implementation of the recommendations of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch’s report into the loss of the tug, Flying Phantom, on the River Clyde on 19 December 2007.

Trish Godman (West Renfrewshire) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether representations have been made to the Department for Transport anent the (a) transit of large vessels in thick fog on and (b) installation of a fog detection system for the River Clyde.

Trish Godman (West Renfrewshire) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether information has been received from the Department for Transport, Clydeport and other interested parties anent the identification and use of an emergency lay-by berth on the River Clyde.

Stewart Stevenson: We are aware of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch’s report. The relevant shipping and maritime safety issues are reserved to the UK Government. It is for the authorities identified to respond to the report’s recommendations as appropriate.

Rivers

Trish Godman (West Renfrewshire) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether information is available concerning the holding of a fatal accident inquiry into the deaths of the three members of the crew of the tug, Flying Phantom, when their vessel foundered in the River Clyde on 19 December 2007.

Stewart Stevenson: Reports have been submitted by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and Strathclyde Police to the Procurator Fiscal at Paisley in relation to the circumstances of the accident. The investigation of the circumstances of the accident by both Strathclyde Police and the Procurator Fiscal at Paisley continues. At the conclusion of the investigation a decision will be taken on further proceedings. The further proceedings may include a fatal accident inquiry. The families of the deceased are being kept informed.

Roads

Jamie Hepburn (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what the contract completion date is for the M80 upgrade between Stepps and Haggs.

Stewart Stevenson: The completion date for the construction of the M80 between Stepps to Haggs is September 2011.

  The contract completion date including maintenance and network operation is 2041.

Roads

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what length of 2+1 overtaking lanes is proposed for the A9 at (a) Moy and (b) Carrbridge.

Stewart Stevenson: (a) Moy - 1.06km of 2+1 overtaking lane and (b) Carrbridge - 1.01km of 2+1 overtaking lane.

Roads

Nanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects work on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route to commence.

Stewart Stevenson: Subject to the satisfactory completion of the statutory procedures work is currently expected to start in 2010/2011.

Scottish Futures Trust

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list any commercial interests declared by each member of the Scottish Futures Trust board.

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list any outside commercial and financial interests declared by each member of the Scottish Futures Trust board.

John Swinney: The information requested is not held centrally. However, the Scottish Government would encourage all devolved public bodies in Scotland to maintain a publicly available register of board members’ interests.

Student Finance

Christina McKelvie (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what costs it bears for student support that do not form part of the monies that students receive.

Fiona Hyslop: The Scottish Executive bears costs for providing student support that do not form part of the monies received by students under the Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) budget heading under the following budgets detailed in the table:

  

 Budget Heading
£ Million
2009-10 £ Million


 SAAS Administration Costs: 
 
 


 - Running costs
 6.0
 


 - Capital expenditure
 0.4
 


 - Capital Charges
 1.2
 7.6


 Student Loans Company Administration
 
 5.5


 Cost of Providing Student Loan Advances (the RAB charge)
 
 71.4


 Unwinding of Discount on the write-off provision
 
 12.0


 Unwinding of Discount on the Debt Sale Subsidy for Loans sold to Banks
 
 4.0


 Student loans Debt Sale Subsidy to the banks
 
 4.5

Teachers

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has had with the (a) General Teaching Council and (b) Educational Institute of Scotland and other teachers’ unions about workforce planning in the teaching profession and what the outcome has been.

Fiona Hyslop: I have regular discussions with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) and other teachers’ unions on a wide range of issues including issues around workforce planning in the teaching profession.

  Last June, I established the Teacher Employment Working Group (TEWG), which included representation from the GTCS and EIS and other teachers’ unions to assess whether the current teacher workforce planning process was fit for purpose. The TEWG concluded that the workforce planning system at a national level is robust but its report published in October identified some areas for improvement. I have accepted all 12 of the report’s recommendations which will be taken forward with partners, including the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and GTCS. The group’s report is available on the Scottish Government website at the following link:

  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/242958.

Tourism

Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what extra efforts it and local authorities are making to ensure that the problem of litter on streets and in the countryside is addressed, given that 2009 is the Year of Homecoming and the anticipated increase in numbers of tourists coming to Scotland.

Richard Lochhead: There is little doubt that litter remains a blight on many communities across Scotland. It is an issue that the Scottish Government is committed to tackling.

  To raise awareness and tackle the problem Scottish Government provides core funding to the environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB). One of KSB’s principal campaigns is the annual National Spring Clean, which takes place between 1 to 30 April 2009. This month-long blitz on the litter that blights our streets, parks, riversides and beaches, offers people throughout Scotland the opportunity to restore a sense of community pride and clean up their neighbourhoods for themselves and visitors to our country.

  The campaign attracted approximately 20,000 volunteers last year. In the year of Homecoming we want as many people as possible to get involved in National Spring Clean. We have therefore provided additional funding to KSB to make the 2009 campaign bigger and better than ever before.

  In addition, KSB recently hosted a Litter Summit on our behalf. The purpose of the summit was to allow the Scottish Government to meet with local authorities, public bodies, the private sector and environmental groups to allow debate on litter and possible solutions. I provided the keynote address at this well attended event.

  Prior to the summit, KSB produced a Scottish Littering Report that I am sure will be of interest to you. A copy can be found on the KSB website at:

  http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/documents/LitterReport.pdf

  A report is now being prepared on all of the suggestions, ideas and actions which could be taken forward following the summit. This will be passed to me to consider in more detail in due course. The Scottish Government is hopeful that the summit will mark the start of a renewed drive to tackle the litter problems which we have in Scotland with vigour, focus and include innovative ways of working in partnership with the pubic and private sector.

Transport

Nanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been spent on transport infrastructure projects in each year since 1999, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

Stewart Stevenson: The Scottish Government does not hold the information requested broken down by constituency.

  Details of expenditure on transport within the Scottish ministers’ responsibility from 1997-98 to 2007-08 can be found within table 11.1 in the Finance chapter of Scottish Transport Statistics 2008 publication, which can be found on the Scottish Government website at the following link:

  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/12/22091243/154.

Transport Scotland

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what changes have been made to the management of Transport Scotland since the appointment of its new chief executive and what the financial implications are of any such changes.

Stewart Stevenson: No permanent changes have yet been made.

Volunteering

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will seek agreement with local authorities that volunteering activity will be recognised and supported through the inclusion of a targeted local outcome under national outcome 11 in single outcome agreements between local authorities and the Scottish Government.

Jim Mather: It is for each Community Planning Partnership (CPP) to derive its local outcomes which should be drawn from an integrated profile of the social, economic and environmental conditions of the area concerned. In reaching agreement with CPPs on their Single Outcome Agreement, the Scottish Government will be looking for evidence that local outcomes reflect an area’s strategic priorities and that they are capable of being linked to one or more of the National Outcomes.

Waste Management

James Kelly (Glasgow Rutherglen) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what powers are available to local authorities in relation to the management of waste by businesses.

Richard Lochhead: Under Section 45 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 local authorities may arrange, if requested, to collect industrial waste and must, again only if requested, arrange to collect commercial waste in their areas. In both cases, collection would be subject to a reasonable charge.

  Waste regulation functions however, were transferred from local authorities to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) by Section 21 of the Environment Act 1995. Therefore the role of ensuring the safe and proper management of business waste in Scotland falls mainly to SEPA, assisted where necessary, by the police.

  Nevertheless, the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991 as amended, allow local authorities to inspect waste transfer documents and Section 33A of the 1990 Act permits them to issue fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping offences.

Waste Management

James Kelly (Glasgow Rutherglen) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what duties are placed on businesses in terms of the management and disposal of waste.

Richard Lochhead: A variety of duties are placed on businesses in relation to the management and disposal of waste and these arise primarily from Sections 33 and 34 of the Environment Protection Act 1990 as amended. Section 33 prohibits the unauthorised or harmful deposit, treatment or disposal of waste, while Section 34 imposes a duty of care on persons/organisations concerned with waste activities.

  A considerable volume of secondary legislation sets out further detail about these duties.